I know you're probably out right now prowling the movie sets, Karen. Your reports are fun to read. John Cusack bought the rights to HF, am I right? He's not spending too much money on salaries. No big names though I like that idea. Is it too soon to ask when the film is expected to be released?

There won't be any filming around here today as this weekend is the Old Town art fair (50th anniversary), its hanging-onto-its-coatails cousin Wells Street Art Fair, and the St. Michael's shindig. They aren't THAT STUPID. This is the best weekend of the year around here. Everybody having parties in their yards and on their decks. Love the atmosphere and the crowds of people aren't too bad. Am used to garbage being thrown into frontyard and bottles/cups being left on front steps. ;-) Unfortunately, r in is in the forecast again.

Article in Sunday Times in the Culture section: "Creating the new face of Britain" A small group friends appears to be responsible for how the world views the UK. Bryan Appleyard worries about Bridget Jones and Notting Hill http://www.sunday-times.co.uk/news/pages/Sunday-Times/frontpage.html?999 Doesn't provide any info on Bridget but is interesting.

Interesting article but just another diatribe on big bad Hollywood - in this case, Curtis pandering to Hollywood to get his films made. Most Americans know there's more to Britain than Hugh Grant's characters. Simplistic analysis, I know but then so's Appleyard's viewpoint.

You should read the article in the Telegraph about "Rogue Trader" Heide! It's the article about Anna Friel. This movie has been sitting on the shelf for about two years and now the spin is that they had timing issues having to do with Leeson's plight (i.e., cancer and now his release from the Singapore jail). Yeah right!! It didn't sell here and they give some lame excuses about American film execs. "One setback for Rogue Trader is that it will not be shown in American cinemas, but will be seen instead on HBO, the pay-cable channel. I understand at least one Hollywood studio balked at Dearden's script because Leeson's dodgy dealings could not be traced back to some traumatic incident in his childhood. The mere fact that there was no incident, and that his is a true story, was irrelevant to them. This tells you much about the narrow, predictable mindset of Hollywood executives. In the long run it doesn't matter. HBO paid handsomely for Rogue Trader, and it has been sold into almost every conceivable world territory. 'This film will be in profit even before it opens,' says Dearden. As well as being another step in the inexorable rise of Anna Friel." IMO the story does seem more of a "made for TV" type.

LISA BONET????????????????????? OH MY F*&#$%G GOD!!!!!!!! UGH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! is this movie a get together of TV sitcom actors??????? Now, I think they can absolutely anything with BJ. Perhaps Mindy Cohn from Facts of Life can play BJ;)

In yesterday's Daily Mail magazine Aishling showed me an article last night that suggested that Liz Hurley might play Bridget Jones!! pleeeese no

NOooooooooo! Get those collagen lips out of my face!

Ann, and you thought JE had become too thin to play Bridget???

Give me JE anyday, too thin or not!!

Ginger Spice....Liz Hurley. Gets worse and worse. Sometimes I have a horrid feeling that BJD The Movie will become just another Hollywood film, driven by "star" names and bankability. The ideal couple (who would have maintained the P&P connection) would have been JE and CF. I really would have preferred BJD to remain a small cheap British movie! If it's Liz Hurley for BJ, how about Hugh Grant for MD. Ghastly thought.

If Colin refuses to be Mark Darcy, then I'd accept Jeremy Northam. He strikes me as being able to portray MD correctly (and that's the MD that in my mind's eye, mind you). Hugh Grant? Never, ever and ever. There's absolutely not one iota of Mark Darcy in HG's repetoire.

You know this whole 'who's gonna be BJ?' is reminiscent of the casting call for Scarlett O'Hara. I can she a whole list of people 'considered', but in all seriousness, not even in contention. Most likely CF will play MD (okay, I'm being optimistic.), and hopefully, they will get an unknown. Similar to Vivian Leigh was in America;) (meaning, she may be a well-known British actress in UK, but not in America.)

Right on! Jeremy Northam as Mark Darcy! I don't mind JN being second-fiddle for this role.

(Laura) Now, I think they can absolutely anything with BJ. Perhaps Mindy Cohn from Facts of Life can play BJ;) LOL! Too cruel! (Bethan)If it's Liz Hurley for BJ, how about Hugh Grant for MD. Ghastly thought. Indeed! But I'd lay odds that their names have been mentioned.

Oh dear, I've been away from the board for a few days and such aggravating news. Liz Hurley as a possible BJ?!?! Lisa Bonet as Marie?!?!? Oh, the horrors Hollywood can perform on a good book. I really need Marie to look like Susan Dey :-). BTW, happy anniversary dear Winter. It was lovely to see you as always. Aren't I lucky to have a Spa girl in my very own neighborhood? And ladies, An Ideal Husband was really enjoyable. Rupert E. handled Wilde's witty dialogue well and I enjoyed Cate B. and JN a lot too. Winter and Jana2 give it a thumbs up!

I'm sorry but there is only one actor who can have the name DARCY!!!

sorry" who can play a character with the name Mr. Darcy," to be honest and I exclude Laura from this, I am sure that is why most of us where interested in the book in the first place, certainly for me.

BTW Winter will you be going to see MLSF when it opens in LA on the 16th, you will one of the first, I look forward to your report. BTW Evelyn saw AIH in London yesterday and said the performances were good but the film dragged on.

Ann, I think I have been very vocal about CF playing MD. I would LOVE to see that. Personally, I can't picture JN playing MD. I still see JN as Knightley and well, Emma is my least favorite Austen book. I can't picture anyone playing MD other than CF. One thing is that I don't care for the character of MD. I felt that in the columns he used Bridget. He would only come over late at night for one thing only, and she generally gave in to him. I like BJ, but I found her to be too much like us, however exagerated she was. I found again in the columns that MD wavered to much. There was no communication between BJ and MD; THAT was the most frustrating part. I am curious to see how they portray MD in the movie though. That should be interesting.

(Laura), Most likely CF will play MD (okay, I'm being optimistic.), and hopefully, they will get an unknown. Similar to Vivian Leigh was in America;) (meaning, she may be a well-known British actress in UK, but not in America.) Laura, I think you might have something there, at least, I hope you do.:-) As far MD, there are lots of men out there that work all day, get home late, and decide to call their mate, go over, ...., and return to their home because it is where they have their closet, shaving gear, etc. Bridget knows it, and has a tendency to give in all the time. It would help her if she drank less. ;-) I think that CF wants this part now and he can use MLSF as a barganing chip to get it. Like you Ann, I read the book because of the P&P connection.

Unfortunately, I don't feel that optimistic about CF playing MD. Unless there were an A-list actress playing Bridget, what would tempt him to play this role, one that would bring back 1000fold all the wet shirt and tight breeches comments. Yes, we think it would be marvelous casting and could be viewed as his having a great sense of humor reprising this part in modern day, but I remain unconvinced that he would. With Richard Curtis involved you can be sure that changes would be made in the storyline to make both Bridget and Mark more appealing so that when we have the *happy* ending, we will be very satisfied. For me, Darcy existed before Colin and for quite a long time Olivier was Darcy. And I read the book somewhere in between seeing the Olivier version and this production. (I've never seen the Rintoul one.) I like to keep my literary characters separate from real life people. Re: Northam as Darcy, Laura, you haven't seen The Winslow Boy obviously. But as I said he would be my second choice. Like that means anything in the grand scheme of things. ;-)

Well I guess I am off to go see The Winslow Boy;) (Actually, I have wanted to see it, but finding time lately is difficult!) I tend to agree with Karen, Darcy existed before CF. Still when I read the book, I don't see CF as Darcy, I see a young man with wavy hair. I may be prejudiced by a woodcut picture in the first P&P book I had ever read. They had pics of Elizabeth, Jane, Darcy, Wickham, Mrs. Bennet and Lady Catherine. And regarding Mark Darcy coming over to Bridget's late at night, they weren't quite a couple again (yet), and he was definitely using her. He would be with Rebecca the very next day. She (HF) instituted too much of real-life. Meaning, exes getting together for a quickie, but going back to the current girlfriend. THAT bothered me. (It hit a nerve.)

HF was just on CNN in a 30 minute interview with Riz Khan, talking about BJD. Nothing new, but must be very good promotion as CNN is watched everywhere in the world. A couple of mentions of the movie "soon to be made." Question about casting BJ...usual answer "would like a complete unknown etc". Asked about the book (sequel)HF said it starts where BJD finished.."it's about what happens when you get the guy in your appartment, and he hasn't done the washing up, not tonight, not ever". Said that sequel was year overdue.

Also have to agree with Ann...it was the P&P connection that got me interested in BJD, and I can't see anyone other than CF playing Mr Darcy. Didn't HF say in a radio interview that CF "was" Mark Darcy. He's probably not into washing up!

HF said it starts where BJD finished.."it's about what happens when you get the guy in your appartment, and he hasn't done the washing up, not tonight, not ever". Said that sequel was year overdue. Word for word exactly what she said at the booksigning last week. ;-)

Mr. Darcy will always be Colin for me. I saw P&P with Larry long before 1995. Didn't do a thing for me and I love Larry but I didn't like Darcy played as a fop. Loved the book since age 13. Colin's portrayal met all my expectations and so many more. Doesn't mean I can't separate actors from their roles! As for Mark Darcy, I'd love to see Colin play him but I'm not convinced it's a good career move and never have been. Considering how ignorant the critics are of his entire career, I'm afraid they'll see it as a desperate move for an actor not able to cash in on his brief fame. A supporting role in an Oscar winner means little. After all, he had that same experience 2 years ago. Had to offer my 2 cents since it is the minority opinion. Do agree with Karen that an A-list actress would be a big temptation though.

High Fidelity Update From Variety: Todd Louiso, memorable as the new-age nanny from "Jerry Maguire," is John Cusack�s best pal and employee in "High Fidelity," the comedy based on the Nick Hornby novel which Stephen Frears directs from a script by Cusack and writing partners Steve Pink and D.V. deVincentis. Louiso, a semiregular on "Chicago Hope,"... ********* Another nobody!

Nooooooooooooo, Karen, he's hysterical!!!! I guarantee you'll like him. He seems to play a lot of gay/homosexual roles, but he's got great comedic timing! I think you'll like him. But I don't see him playing Barry. Maybe Dick.

All I said was that he was a nobody (to me). Has no bearing on whether I'd like him or not. I'll have to look him up to see if his face rings a bell, because his name means nada to me.

Is this him on the right? It's from "8 Heads in a Duffel Bag" but there's no caption.

Yep, that's him!

Quite the receding hairline, no? ;-D

Quite, but I don't behoove bald men their baldness. I think he'll add some great comic moments to the movie. His humor is dry, but biting.

From today's Variety: IBEN MOST WANTED GAL: Remember the name Iben Hjejle, who savvy Hollywoodites are betting will quickly transform from a walking typographical error to a hot actress. Every agency chased the star of �Mifune,� and she was signed by William Morris�s Motion Picture co-head John Burnham and Gaby Morgerman just as she signed for the female lead of the Working Title romantic comedy �High Fidelity,� which John Cusack, Steve Pink and D.V. Devincentis adapted from the Nick Hornby novel. The film�s directed by Stephe Frears, who cast Hjejle after a chance meeting while he was in Germany accepting the Golden Bear Award for �Hi-Lo Country� and she was being honored as an up and coming star. The WMA contingent flew to Germany to sign the actress, who ought to begin establishing a presence when Sony Pictures Classics releases �Mifune� later this year. ********** She's the one playing Laura. They make her sound like she's a German actress. She's Danish. Need to find a picture of her just in case I run into her on the street. ;-)

Another item in Variety, this time Army Archerd's column, mentioning High Fidelity. It's about time the PR people started placing tidbits about the movie!! This one is about Natasha Gregson Wagner. It says she is Robert Wagner's daughter, but isn't she really Natalie Wood's daughter with her second husband who was named Gregson? "Young Wagner also wound a role in Stephen Frears� "High Fidelity" with John Cusack, Joan Cusack, Iben Hjejle and � Catherine Zeta-Jones (unbilled) �"

Who is Joan Cusack playing? And does he put his sister in EVERYTHING?????

Karen, perhaps Natasha Gregson Wagner needs an auntie in the movie, you would fit right in;) and you are correct, she is not 'technically' Robert Wagner's daughter.

From an unofficial John Cusack website: ...More news about High Fidelity - Barry will be played by Jack Black, Joan Cusack will play Laura's best friend Liz, and Lili Taylor, Beverly D'Angelo, Harold Ramis, and Todd Louiso will also be involved I like Beverly D'Angelo and Harold Ramis. It's like old times again-- bringing back stars from the old 1980's rite de passage comedies!

Harold Ramis and Beverly D'Angelo could be playing Laura's parents???

No, better yet, they are Rob's parents. Would be perfect for that bit when he goes home and the parents are doing the wine sampling thing at the neighbors and reluctantly invite Rob to accompany them to a movie.

Strange...they both seem too young to play anyone's parents. Realisitically, yes, they can play Rob or Laura's parents, but I'd pictured a couple much older than BdA and HR.

BdA played Ed Norton's mom in American History X (Which was fantastic btw!). I can't see Harold Ramis playing Laura's dad. Plus we know what happens to him.

That's why I changed my mind and made them Rob's parents, the closet *swingers*!! Better than Carroll O'Connor, who is playing Minnie Driver's father next door. He looks old enough to play her grandfather. I'm not kidding. He looks real old.

Archie Bunker playing Minnie Driver's dad, hmmmmmmmmmmmm........

(Ann W.) Daily Mail magazine Aishling showed me an article last night that suggested that Liz Hurley might play Bridget Jones!! pleeeese no Good thing Aishling didn't show it to me...or I would have thrown-up all over the Luna Nuova. Next thing we'll hear is that Mike Meyers is going to play MD!!,

Check out a new interview with Helen Fielding at http://www.powells.com/authors/fielding.html Some new comments on BJD sequel and screenplay

Thanks, Bethan, for the new article on HF. The interview was conducted during her last US tour. Definitely some new material, but you wonder how much of it is true. Almost sounds like she and the interviewer are putting each other on. For example: DW: Whenever critics say anything bad about it, they say it's too on the surface. But that overlooks a lot of what's going on underneath. Sentence structures and so forth. It's definitely a grown-up, intelligent voice. Sentence structures? A grown-up, intelligent voice? Pfwah, oof, gaaah, durrr. They seemed obsessed with the ability to write complete sentences. Did like how HF is making fun of her standard sound bites, every single one of which I've heard several times.

One thing I felt after reading this, is that the sequel and screenplay are being taken seriously, by HF and by Working Title. It would be very easy to rush out a BJD2, which would sell on the strength of the original. Similarly it would be very easy to "transplant" a screenplay directly from the dialogue in the book without worrying whether the humour carries. Most of the humour isn't so much in the dialogue, but in the accompanying comments. If they get both book and screenplay right, I don't mind waiting. And I still think the involvement of Andrew Davies is a good thing....he has over 20 years of experience of crafting entertaining scripts.

I've thought it would be difficult to do BJD on the screen only because so much of the humor is what she's thinking. It could be done in cartoon form, with a little thought bubble above her head. Still, I don't think she's involved with the screenplay anymore. Her attempts failed. Now they've brought in the "pros from Dover." ;-D Hey, F. Scott Fitzgerald failed as a screenwriter. Not that I'm putting Helen in that league.

Thanks for the link, Bethan. The article was interesting and as Karen said, it was nice to hear something new from HF, instead of the tired old blurbs. (Karen) Sentence structures? A grown-up, intelligent voice? Pfwah, oof, gaaah, durrr. I had to laugh at this, Karen. I also thought this was a little over the top! But I did find her comment interesting that the incomplete sentences and words BJ is so famous for started out by HF trying to get her column down to the right number of words.

From an article in the Daily Telegraph (7/15) about Stephen Frears: (and yeah, I know this is BJD's topic) Perhaps it's this more recent critical disfavour that makes him say now, "I've been given tremendous opportunities in America; I see it in a rather romantic sense, as full of endless possibilities. In England, which is much more confined, insular, you're forced into corners the whole time. I found, or find England claustrophobic." How reassuring to know, then, that his next film is an adaptation of High Fidelity, a study of north London laddishness by the quintessentially British Nick Hornby, the author of Fever Pitch and About A Boy and a life-long Arsenal supporter. "Yes," confirms Frears. "It's set in Chicago." I wonder for a moment whether he's kidding, but, no: it seems Disney bought the rights to the book, which then passed to the actor John Cusack, a Chicagoan. He adapted it, basing it in his hometown and then turned to Frears, who had directed him in The Grifters. "I read the script with scepticism and was convinced. First of all, Chicago is actually rather like Camden Town: it's a blue-collar, industrial city. Also, they're absolutely bananas about music there. And they're just as primitive in Chicago as they are in Camden Town. So I'm astonished. But I've clearly accepted it. This may be because I've been fooled into it, or it may be perceptive." And he adds (somehow this seems a very Frearsian equivocation), "You'll tell me in a year's time whether I was right or not." ********** Camden Town? Isn't that the setting for "This Year's Love"? Is he kidding? Must have been fooled.

First of all, Chicago is actually rather like Camden Town: it's a blue-collar, industrial city What is this man talking about? Has he ever BEEN to Camden Town...blue collar, industrial... There just must be another Camden Town somewhere that I don't know about.

Stephen Frears: "Chicago is actually rather like Camden Town: it's a blue-collar, industrial city. Also, they're absolutely bananas about music there. And they're just as primitive in Chicago as they are in Camden Town" LOL I don't think ole Stephen has ever been in Camden Town or Chicago. And" bananas about music??"..every city is...Chicago is better known for its theatre. Yes...Karen Camden Town was the setting for This Year's Love...known for their flee market and tatoo parlors!!! What an insult to Chicago!!!

It has to account for why I haven't seen them filming, except for that one club scene that was done at a bar that would be frequented by DePaul University students. My guess is that someone took Stephen on a drive to So. Chicago, right across from the Gary (Indiana) steel mills. ;-D No, music is big here too. All the blues clubs.

OK - this is silly, but it made me laugh for some reason. Could be the late hour and the fact that I'm still at the office. But bear with me Laura, this is actually slightly BJD related :-). I was just reading the latest world wide travel advisory which describes dangerous areas and precautions business travelers should take. Due to idle curiosity I checked out Israel, even though I'm not planning a trip there anytime soon. Here's a quote: "Occasional attacks by singleton Palestinians also mandate that Old Jerusalem be entered only with security escorts and never late at night." Somehow this brings to mind an image of terrorists that are overly concerned with weight gain and finding new boyfriends :-).

Occasional attacks by singleton Palestinians also mandate that Old Jerusalem be entered only with security escorts and never late at night." Somehow this brings to mind an image of terrorists that are overly concerned with weight gain and finding new boyfriends :-). Actually, that's very funny! I picture the same thing!

Very funny, Jana. ;-D

*hee hee* Cute Jana :)

ok- here's another leap: over at DWG a writer is posting a story called Anne de Burgh's Diary, and it's a take off on BJD. Quite amusing actually, you might want to check it out. :)

By now everyone has read this from the NY Daily News: Firth is getting tired of playing hopelessly romantic figures. "I really don't want to go out and make the moony faces anymore," he says. Assuming he actually said this (one never knows), what might our chances be of seeing him play Mark Darcy?

Mark Darcy is a lot of things, but moony he ain't. A top-notch human-rights barrister?! Bite your tongue, girl!!

Excuse me?

Oh, I do...I do!!! ;-D

I was not asking you to excuse me, KJArt. And I'm not biting anything. I believe it to be a reasonable question. There's more to a romantic character than simply moony looks. Fitzwilliam Darcy's considered romantic, why not Mark?

CF isn't goin to take BJD... not because of the romantic hero implication.... but because there's bound to be a shag or two......(after the Christmas Curry Lunch...in the hallway!!!)

He could make a stipulation in his contract if he feels so adamant about it. Was HF that explicit about the shags in her book/columns? Seems to me they were implied...thus in the movie too.....(but not if Andrew Davies has anything to say about it!! ;-D ) Question is, how much would they be willing to cede to get the genuine article?? (Again assuming they would have to cede anything.) Parenthetical: we probably shouldn't be throwing "shag" around so lightly ... in the U.S. it IS casual, but I "read somewhere" that in the UK it's considered even worse than the "f" word!! We don't want to be offending our UK contingent, now do we?

Sorry, Eileen, I missed your post. I don't think ODB objects to ANY romantacism in his characters, just to the adolescent, "moony", hopelessly smitten ones. After all, despite how Karen defines him, I find Paul's role VERY romantic, but hardly "moony" and ODB was perfectly willing to do a "bed scene" without its becoming a "shag" scene. And until I see MLSF (and, knock wood, SLOW) I am going to reserve judgment on how much of that unwillingness he MEANT. And Mark has a certain dignity that doesn't p t hium into that category.

(KJ) After all, despite how Karen defines him Hey, you picking a fight with me now? ;-D Food fight!!! At his advanced age, any adolescent mooniness would be ridiculous. What I would expect to see is *smoldering lust.* That would be more appropriate. That being the case, Mark Darcy would be the same as Mr. Darcy in attitude. I love thinking about the scene at his parents' anniversary party, where Colin...whoops Mark cuts in on raging hormoned teen cousin (?) dancing with Bridget outside in the yard. Visions of a potentially suavely romantic Darcy here. ;-D

we probably shouldn't be throwing "shag" around so lightly ... in the U.S. it IS casual, but I "read somewhere" that in the UK it's considered even worse than the "f" word!! We don't want to be offending our UK contingent, now do we? Shag away! For my part the F word is much worse, tho' these days people (including ODB, I regret to say) use the F-word in every sentence (that's me showing my age...). BTW, I thought shag was a UK slang word or am I wrong?

From the Guardian today, a Corelli update: � Nicolas Cage has decided to pass on the film adaptation of Louis de Bernieres' World War II romance Captain Corelli's Mandolin. It's reported that the film's producers - including Notting Hill director Roger Michell - and Cage himself were not able to work out a schedule that would allow for the actor's involvement due to other commitments. ****** Do I have a huge sigh of relief? ;-)

All mooniness and romanticism aside, as much as we pine about Colin playing Mark, HF's Mark Darcy is nothing more than an updated Fitzwilliam Darcy, which he's already done to perfection. *Virtually ducking those hurling rocks now* Karen, that is good news about CCM. Now if we can hear the same about Ewan McGregor...(uh oh, this opens the door for Roberto Begnini!).

(Eileen)Re: CCM ..oh, this opens the door for Roberto Begnini!). Or if they go the Italian route...godferbid, the guy who played Nostromo. Re; Shagging..We don't want to be offending our UK contingent, now do we? (Allison) Shag away! Wheww!! Had me worried for a minute...the way we throw that word around...I never equated it with the F word...though it means the same. Yes, it is a British slang word, Allison, but it has become popular usage in the US.

oh GAWD, if they cast Roberto Begnini I'll hurl!!! I HATED LIFE IS BEAUTIFUL!!! yuck!!!!

And I (and every one else who saw it) hated his schtick at the Academy Awards (and apparently all the other awards show he attended). What a phony! Double Yuck!!!

(Laura)I HATED LIFE IS BEAUTIFUL!! Ditto. (Lynda) What a phony! Ditto.

I don't think I need to post. ;-) (good thing Moon isn't around)

Am I the only one to disagree? I liked Life is Beautiful very much; thought it had the right balance of comicity and gentleness. Of course some things were unsubtle or downright impossible, but all in all I was entertained and moved. Benigni's performance at the Oscars... well, he gave an interview on BBC world and acted the same way - "the intense italian" stereotype. But it wasn't worse than Gweenie's hysteria, was it?

(Eileen) All mooniness and romanticism aside, as much as we pine about Colin playing Mark, HF's Mark Darcy is nothing more than an updated Fitzwilliam Darcy, which he's already done to perfection. Agreed! Now Daniel.....love to see him do the absent skirt schtik. * Cowering with you while the rocks are hurled * "the intense italian" stereotype. But it wasn't worse than Gweenie's hysteria, was it? Depends on which you think was more scripted.

(Karen) Hey, you picking a fight with me now? ;-D Food fight!!! Yeh...creamed carrots at 20 paces!! ;-D (Heide)...where Colin...whoops Mark cuts in on raging hormoned teen cousin (?) dancing with Bridget outside in the yard. Visions of a potentially suavely romantic Darcy here. ;-D Yeh...after which she won't dance, he starts pacing the patio with his hands in his hair and comes out with the suave, romantic opening: "read any good books lately? (hee hee)

The thing about Life is Beautiful is that it was SO ridiculous!!! He threw scenes in there as an afterthought, because he wanted the crowd to go "awwwwwwwwww". His wife was good, the music I liked. Best use of Offenbach ever. But story wise and acting wise, PUHLEEZE, Nick Nolte deserved that Oscar!!! I've finished my rant. Heide, I think CF would make a GREAT Daniel!!! *and uh, you've always said you'd like him to play that role anyway;)*

Oh dear, have to disagree with you a bit about Affliction (Nick Nolte's role). I haven't seen Life is Beautiful so cannot compare the two performances, but it has been a long time since I have despised a movie as much as Affliction. I usually like Nick N's work very much but thought he was just scenery chewing and a one-note baddie in this one. James Coburn who played his father was even more like Snidely Whiplash (and really got the Oscar for lifetime achievement, not for this role IMHO). I'm a sucke for subtle nuances which explains my devotion to a certain Mr. Firth. But Laura, I seem to be in the minority as the Academy loved Nick N. and Affliction, so maybe it's just me :-).

Eek, that cut off word was supposed to be sucker.

hmmm, I would've given it to Ian McKellen myself and to Ed Harris for supporting. Haven't like Nolte since Rich Man Poor Man. ;-p

Hmmm... I just saw Gods & Monsters and well, it was an okay, movie, not great. I didn't think Ian McKellen did anything amazing in that role. Nick Nolte is definitely an underrated actor. NN did look VERY GOOD in RMPM (uh, I saw it in repeats;))

IMO after reading Colin's comments in Parade yesterday ("it's boring to play the same kiind of role again and again"), it's a given that he won't play Mark Darcy. I don't think he'll play Daniel either, Heide (too much like Wessex--the baddie). *Virtually digging a foxhole now* oh GAWD, if they cast Roberto Begnini... Ladies, please! I was being facetious!! In your wildest dreams, could you see Begnini as Correlli? "Bon giorno, Principessa Pelagia..."

Don't worry, we know facetious....very, very well, Principessa! ;-o About the Mark Darcy thing, this weekend on Siskel & Ebert, Rog and Joe Morgenstern (WSJ critic) were reviewing Inspector Gadget. One of them made the comment that it was much too early in Rupe's career to do self-parodying parts. And what would Mark Darcy be? A self-parodying part.

At this point...I will gladly take him in a role that he isn't a baddie,a loon, a creep, gay, a cuckold, a two-timer (ATA),a slob (F). Please, Please, Please,...give us "boring normal".

(Evelyn) Please,...give us "boring normal". That is what we all want ....but that is because we want HIM not all these characters he insists on playing;-)) The trouble with CF is that he decided to become an actor when he could have been my...bank manager, dentist, personal fitness instructor, masseur...

Okay, I saw Inspector Gadget.... IT sucked. I mean this was the worst movie I have ever seen. Now my daughter knew my feelings on this movie because, well, I fell asleep! I was excited to see Rupe play a baddie, but it was pathetic and the worst part. I think there will be a sequel! BTW, DO see Blair Witch Project, it's WONDERFUL. Now to make this jive with BJD, how about Rupert Everett as Daniel?? He can play straight.

I'm drinking a cup of coffee now, having just come back from seeing the Blair Witch. *yawn yawn* Could barely stay awake, especially with all those blackout scenes. Would've been so nice to take a nap, but the guy next to me had this distinctive odor about him. ick!!

Rupert Everett as Daniel? Oh, I think that's fabulous casting Laura! I stayed away from Inspector Gadget this weekend, (*pats back*) but did see Drop Dead Gorgous. Laughed myself silly :)

Well, as long as this is developing into Spring's VV..... I saw EYES WIDE SHUT last week. It's really an OK movie...not a masterpiece but not bad. Very visual (not just nudie), script pretty poor. Nicole Kidman is terrific ...Tom Cruise...same ole, same ole...the guy is always Top Gun... double standard...frontal female nudity...no male!!Don't know how they could rate this film R...this is NC 17 if I ever saw one ( and I never have....most of them are soft-porn). Oddly enough, it was not erotic IMO.

(Allison) The trouble with CF is that he decided to become an actor when he could have been my...bank manager, dentist, personal fitness instructor, masseur... Brava Allison, I love it!

(Karen) And what would Mark Darcy be? A self-parodying part. Which is precisely why I think CF would be tempted...it is, rather, a Darcy-parodying part. I am hoping he can't resist the opportunity for the dig!!! (Laura)...with BJD, how about Rupert Everett as Daniel?? He can play straight. Laura, brilliant casting!!!!! What better face-off than CF Vs RE?? Oh, I'd love to see these two get together again on the same screen...they've both come so far!! ;-D

Karen, Blair Witch was brilliant!!! Inventive, original, scary as all hell!!!! I definitely see this one going up for Original screenplay at the Oscars. (It was all improvised). THE ENDING.... WOW!!!!!!!!!!!

(Eileen)... HF's Mark Darcy is nothing more than an updated Fitzwilliam Darcy, which he's already done to perfection. (KJ)... comes out with the suave, romantic opening: "read any good books lately? (hee hee) Yup. A perfect repeat of Fitzwilliam Darcy... 8-D

Oh yeah, Karen, one other thing, Jimmy figured it out, but with BWP, think of Hansel and Gretl, it makes more sense.

(Evelyn) Tom Cruise...same ole, same ole...the guy is always Top Gun I agree. Or 'A Few Good Men': "I want the truth!" (to which Nicholson responds "You can't handle the truth"). Tom has a line in every movie which he says exactly this way. It's in the EWS commercial!

Yes, I generally agree with you about Mr. Cruise, but I thought he provided some lovely, subtle character changes in Jerry McGuire - some of the best work of his career IMHO. Then again, maybe I was just distracted by his pretty face :-). Evelyn's right, this is becoming the Spring's Virt Views board. Oh well, we have to pass the time productively until there is some BJD news, don't we?!?!?